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Monday, July 12, 2010

Chai: From China to Europe to India and Pakistan

One day while he was in his garden a few tea leaves fell by chance into his boiling water which then gave off a rich, alluring aroma. The Emperor, upon drinking this brew, discovered it to be refreshing and energizing.He immediately gave the command that tea bushes to be planted in the gardens of his palace.

The Chinese originally called it “Kia”. As far as is know it was during the course of the 6th century AD that the name evolved into "Cha". On its arrival in the West it became Té which is still the name for tea in many countries.

Tea arrived in Europe via Dutch and Portuguese sailors at the beginning of the 17th century. British companies established for the importing tea, such as "The East India Trade Company" introduced it commercially in India. Although research shows that tea is indigenous to eastern and northern India, and was cultivated and consumed there for thousands of years.

Today, in Pakistan drinking tea - known as Chai - is a cultural experience! The tea leaves are traditionally boiled in milk - doodh patti - and sweetened with sugar or gur. It is a leading beverage in Pakistan!